The Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service (BFRS) last week celebrated the achievements of 14 recruits who have successfully completed the BFRS Foundation Course.

The certificate presentation ceremony took place at the Hamilton Fire Station on Wednesday, 13 August 2025, in front of family, friends, BFRS officers, and dignitaries.

While this milestone marks the end of the recruits' initial training phase, it is also the beginning of the next stage of their professional journey.

The foundation course is the first step towards becoming fully qualified firefighters and emergency medical technicians in Bermuda.

Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, participated in presenting the awards alongside Chief Fire Officer Dana Lovell and congratulated the recruits, stating: “Today is more than the end of your training. It is the beginning of a career of service, discipline, and purpose”.

“You have been through weeks of demanding training physically, mentally, and emotionally, and you have proven that you have what it takes to wear this uniform”.

The Minister also acknowledged the role of family and friends in the recruits’ success, stating: “Your encouragement, understanding, and sacrifices have been the quiet strength behind these recruits’ success. This achievement is yours as much as it is theirs. Without your support, many would not be standing here in uniform today.”

Chief Fire Officer Dana Lovell commended the recruits’ performance while emphasising the importance of the next stage in their development, highlighting that they have successfully completed an important first step, but that the journey is not over.

He emphasised, "Over the coming months, you will gain crucial work experience in preparation for your National Registry Emergency Medical Technicians test, and that step is every bit as important as the training you have just completed, and it will further define your readiness to serve.”

The foundation training covered various firefighting and emergency response skills, including fire ground operations, hazardous material handling, water rescue, road traffic collision response, and emergency medical care. Recruits also underwent rigorous physical training and academic testing.

The BFRS continues to align its training with UK Fire & Rescue Service industry standards, ensuring that Bermuda’s firefighters are equipped with internationally recognised qualifications and best-practice skills.

The BFRS is proud that, as part of their comprehensive training, all recruits are expected to earn the Skills for Justice Level 3 award, a UK qualification for professionals in various public and emergency services roles.

The Ministry of National Security reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the BFRS by recruiting and preparing more Bermudians for this vital public safety role. 

The Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP
Minister of National Security - Remarks

Good afternoon everyone,

It is a real pleasure to be here today at the Hamilton Fire Station for this proud and important occasion – the presentation of foundation course certificates to our newest members of the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service.

To the recruits standing before us, today is more than the end of your training. It is the beginning of a career of service, discipline, and purpose. You have been through weeks of demanding training – physically, mentally, and emotionally – and you have proven that you have what it takes to wear this uniform.

You have learned the skills of firefighting, but also the values that define the BFRS: courage, teamwork, discipline, and commitment to protecting life and property.

I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the families, partners, and friends who are here today. Your encouragement, understanding, and sacrifices have been the quiet strength behind these recruits’ success. You have lifted their spirits when the training days were long, reassured them when challenges seemed overwhelming, and stood firmly beside them as they worked toward this goal. This achievement is yours as much as it is theirs. Without your support, many would not be standing here in uniform today.

The BFRS is not only about the individual firefighter – it is about the network of support that allows them to answer the call at any hour, in any conditions. Your continued understanding will be vital in the years ahead, because firefighting is a profession that asks much not just of those in uniform, but of those who love them.

To the recruits, I say this: you are joining a proud tradition. The Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service is respected not only for its bravery in emergencies but also for its proactive work in preventing harm before it happens. You will be part of a team that the public trusts, a team that runs toward danger when others must run away, a team that makes split-second decisions that can mean the difference between life and death.

From this day forward, every call you answer will matter. Every inspection, every drill, every bit of training will contribute to the safety of our community. The people of Bermuda will look to you in moments of crisis, and you must be ready, physically fit, mentally sharp, and always committed to the highest standards of professionalism.

As Minister of National Security, I am proud of the progress the BFRS has made in strengthening its ranks, investing in training, and building capacity to serve our people. You are part of that progress. And your work – backed by the unwavering support of your families – will help ensure that Bermuda remains safe, resilient, and prepared for whatever comes our way.

Congratulations to each of you on achieving this milestone. Wear your uniform with pride, serve with honour, and remember that you now carry a responsibility that extends far beyond yourselves. You are guardians of life and property, and your contribution will be felt in every corner of our island.

Thank you.

The recruits are:

Ari Cannonier, Jayce Basden, Matthew Mello-Cann, Jacob Estis, Malik Joell, Tariq Sabir, Tarreko Wilson, Corey Torak, Nasir Ray-Georges, Jashon Poyer-Pitcher, Jamori Jones-Tyrell, Kimai Hendrickson, Benjamin Furquan and Azende Furbert.